1 maccabees 11:27 - and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and all the other honors that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his Chief Friends.
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What does "1 maccabees 11:27" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:27 refers to the confirmation and enhancement of Simon Maccabeus's position by Demetrius II Nicator, the Seleucid king. Let's break it down:
"and confirmed to him the high priesthood": This means Demetrius II officially recognized Simon as the High Priest of Judea. This was a significant move, as the High Priesthood held immense religious, political, and social authority in Jewish society. It legitimized Simon's leadership.
"and all the other honors that he had before": Simon already held positions of power and influence, likely acquired during the Maccabean revolt and the subsequent negotiations. This implies Demetrius affirmed his existing authority and privileges.
"and gave him preeminence among his Chief Friends": The "Chief Friends" was a title used in Hellenistic courts to denote the king's closest advisors and confidants. Elevating Simon to this status meant placing him in a position of great favor and influence within the Seleucid court. It gave him a direct line to the king and enhanced his political standing.
In essence, the verse describes Demetrius II solidifying Simon's power and influence in Judea and beyond. He granted him religious authority, affirmed his existing positions, and brought him into the inner circle of the Seleucid court.
Historical Context and Significance:
This confirmation was a crucial step in solidifying the independence of Judea under the Maccabees. By officially recognizing Simon, Demetrius was acknowledging the reality of Jewish autonomy. However, this was also likely a calculated move by Demetrius. The Seleucid kingdom was weakened, and Demetrius needed allies. Recognizing Simon's authority was a way to secure Jewish support and stability in the region.
1 maccabees 11:27 - and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and all the other honors that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his Chief Friends.
What does "1 maccabees 11:27" mean?
This verse from 1 Maccabees 11:27 refers to the confirmation and enhancement of Simon Maccabeus's position by Demetrius II Nicator, the Seleucid king. Let's break it down:
"and confirmed to him the high priesthood": This means Demetrius II officially recognized Simon as the High Priest of Judea. This was a significant move, as the High Priesthood held immense religious, political, and social authority in Jewish society. It legitimized Simon's leadership.
"and all the other honors that he had before": Simon already held positions of power and influence, likely acquired during the Maccabean revolt and the subsequent negotiations. This implies Demetrius affirmed his existing authority and privileges.
"and gave him preeminence among his Chief Friends": The "Chief Friends" was a title used in Hellenistic courts to denote the king's closest advisors and confidants. Elevating Simon to this status meant placing him in a position of great favor and influence within the Seleucid court. It gave him a direct line to the king and enhanced his political standing.
In essence, the verse describes Demetrius II solidifying Simon's power and influence in Judea and beyond. He granted him religious authority, affirmed his existing positions, and brought him into the inner circle of the Seleucid court.
Historical Context and Significance:
This confirmation was a crucial step in solidifying the independence of Judea under the Maccabees. By officially recognizing Simon, Demetrius was acknowledging the reality of Jewish autonomy. However, this was also likely a calculated move by Demetrius. The Seleucid kingdom was weakened, and Demetrius needed allies. Recognizing Simon's authority was a way to secure Jewish support and stability in the region.